Thanksgiving is the perfect time to indulge, but I always believe we can do that without compromising our health! That’s why I love whipping up these *thanksgiving healthy desserts* that not only taste divine but also make me feel good about what I’m eating. Imagine a dessert that’s rich in flavor yet packed with nourishing ingredients – it’s a win-win! I truly believe that you can enjoy all the festive flavors without the guilt, and these recipes are a testament to that. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create something deliciously healthy that everyone will adore at your Thanksgiving table!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these *thanksgiving healthy desserts* a success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results. I like to have all my ingredients prepped and ready to go before I start mixing – it makes the process so much smoother and more fun! Trust me, a little bit of organization goes a long way when you’re in the kitchen. Let’s get ready to bake some magic!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Healthy Desserts
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Making these *thanksgiving healthy desserts* is a breeze if you follow these simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up something that tastes indulgent yet is packed with wholesome goodness!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your dessert bakes evenly and comes out just right. While that’s heating up, grab your baking dish and give it a light greasing – we want those delightful squares to come out easily!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. I like to use a whisk for this part; it really helps to break up any clumps and ensures everything is evenly mixed. Trust me, a good mix makes all the difference in the final texture!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s move on to the wet ingredients! In another bowl, mix together the applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until it’s all well blended. Make sure the eggs are incorporated fully – this mixture is what binds everything together and gives it that lovely moistness.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until everything is combined. You want to make sure there are no lumps left – a smooth batter is key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love!
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Now it’s time to bake! Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. That’s the golden ticket to a perfect bake!
Step 6: Cool Down
Once it’s out of the oven, let your dessert cool in the dish for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial – it helps set the texture, making it easier to cut into those perfect squares. Plus, it means you can enjoy it when it’s just the right temperature!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these delightful *thanksgiving healthy desserts*! Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
These values are estimates, but I think you’ll agree that they’re pretty impressive for a dessert! It’s nice to know that you can satisfy your sweet tooth while still keeping things on the healthier side. Enjoy every delicious bite without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare – perfect for those busy Thanksgiving days!
- Nourishing ingredients that make you feel good about indulging.
- Deliciously satisfying flavor that everyone will rave about.
- Gluten-free, so it accommodates various dietary needs.
- Customizable – add nuts or dark chocolate chips for extra richness!
- Perfectly portioned squares that are easy to serve and enjoy.
- Lower in sugar compared to traditional desserts, but still incredibly sweet!
- Great for meal prep – they can be made ahead of time.
Trust me, once you try these *thanksgiving healthy desserts*, they’ll become a staple at your holiday gatherings! Everyone deserves a treat that tastes great and is good for them, right?
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving healthy desserts* turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few pro tips that I swear by! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will help elevate your baking game.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have almond flour on hand, feel free to swap it out for oat flour. It works beautifully and gives a slightly different texture that’s still delicious!
- Sweetness Level: Want it a bit sweeter? You can add a touch more coconut sugar or even a drizzle of maple syrup to the wet ingredients for a natural sweetness boost.
- Mix-Ins Galore: Don’t hesitate to throw in some chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips into the batter for extra flavor and crunch. I love using walnuts or pecans, but the choice is yours!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, and we want these treats to be light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your desserts while they bake. If a toothpick comes out clean, you’re golden! If there’s a bit of batter on it, give it a few more minutes.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dessert to cool completely before cutting is key! This not only helps with texture but also makes sure they hold their shape when you serve them.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering these *thanksgiving healthy desserts*. Happy baking, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve whipped up these delightful *thanksgiving healthy desserts*, you might have some leftovers (or maybe you just want to save some for later!). Storing them properly is key to keeping that wonderful texture and flavor intact. Here’s how I do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the dessert to cool completely, then cut it into squares for easy serving. Place the squares in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between them if you want to prevent sticking. This way, they stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days in the fridge!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to keep them longer, these treats freeze beautifully. Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight.
- Reheating Tips: If you prefer your desserts warm, you can gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might dry out! Alternatively, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain that lovely texture.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you’ll ensure that every bite of your *thanksgiving healthy desserts* is just as delightful as the first. Enjoy the goodness whenever the craving strikes!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some common questions I often hear about these *thanksgiving healthy desserts*, and I’m here to share the answers! I want to make sure you feel confident and excited as you whip these up in your kitchen.
Can I make these desserts vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the two large eggs with flax eggs. Just mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water, let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens, and use that in place of the eggs. It works like a charm!
What can I use instead of almond flour?
If you don’t have almond flour on hand, oat flour is a fantastic alternative! It gives a slightly different texture but still keeps the recipe gluten-free. You could also use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you prefer.
Can I add fruits to this recipe?
Yes, definitely! Adding some mashed bananas or pureed pumpkin can enhance the flavor and moisture. Just remember to adjust the dry ingredients slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How should I serve these desserts?
These squares are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of almond butter on top. Fresh berries also make a lovely addition for some extra color and freshness!
How long do these desserts last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these *thanksgiving healthy desserts* can last up to 5 days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they’ll keep for about 2 months, making them great for meal prep!
Can I use a different sweetener?
Of course! If coconut sugar isn’t your thing, you can use maple syrup or honey (if not making it vegan). Just remember that if you switch to a liquid sweetener, you might need to reduce the amount of wet ingredients slightly to keep the batter consistency right.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions! I love sharing tips and helping you succeed in making these delicious *thanksgiving healthy desserts*!
Print
Thanksgiving Healthy Desserts: 7 Guilt-Free Treats to Savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A collection of healthy dessert recipes perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can substitute almond flour with oat flour.
- Add nuts or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: thanksgiving healthy desserts
